New research can improve the work environment in the world's textile factories

Researchers at MDU have developed an AI-controlled sensor system that measures stress levels and health of textile workers. In cooperation with a university in Bangladesh, the system has been designed to be used in the textile and clothing industry in Asia, where Swedish companies such as HM, KappAhl, and Lindex are active. The objective is to improve the companies' value chain and enhance the work environment for textile workers.

Through the MONITOR project (A Data-driven Intelligent MONITORing System to Improve Quality of Working Life) at MDU, an AI-controlled sensor system is being developed for "intelligent" monitoring of mental health related to stress and workload for textile workers, based on psychological and behavioural changes that are recorded using various physiological sensor signals.

With the help of a sensor unit, the system detects and classifies stress into three levels: high, moderate or no stress. If the stress level is high, the system will provide an explanation of the possible causes based on a root cause analysis and propose various suggestions for taking action.

“Stress has a direct impact on the productivity of clothing companies, which in turn influences production deadlines and the entire value chain of the industry. It can also lead to workplace injuries, and it can be difficult to find replacements for skilled workers who are absent due to injuries. The results of the project can help to maintain good health and a positive work environment for the workers,” says Shahina Begum, Professor of Artificial Intelligence at MDU.

A sustainable work environment

The project, which is being conducted together with the Islamic University of Bangladesh (IUT), supports the establishment of a new and strategically important international partnership in the clothing industry’s value chain between Sweden (as the buyer, with companies such as KappAhl, Lindex, and HM) and Bangladesh (the seller) to improve the work environment and productivity.

“We are getting feedback from the companies that MONITOR can have a positive impact in maintaining a good and sustainable work environment for their manufacturing industries in underdeveloped countries,” says Mobyen Uddin Ahmed, Professor of Artificial Intelligence at MDU.

The measured stress levels of textile workers have been collected for the project from the Northern Tosrifa Group (NTG), which operates in the textile industry in Bangladesh. The project is being financed by STINT, The Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education.